Boston College students can see the modern glass walls of 245 lighthouses enter the classroom on various wooden worktops, sleek machines and drawers above the incubator - Boston College's newly built room.
Kindergarten starts on August 29 with a full week of courses. After students complete the online help and safety module, they can schedule training on a specific device or schedule a time when they can use the device independently.
"This is an outlet for students to bring their ideas to life in a way that BC has never brought them to this level before," said Madison Dunaway, BC Director of Design and Innovation and Head of Hatchery.
A team of working students provides individual training on room equipment, including eight sewing machines, vinyl cutters, heat presses and laser cutters. The space also houses digital embroidery machines, 3D printers and woodworking equipment.
Open from Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 to 22:00 and on Fridays from 12:00 to 19:00.
Dunaway mentions that most of the materials in the craft room are free for students, and students can use the machines for free.
"The level that BC showed was really impressive and great for the students," Dunaway said. "This is one of the nicest college classrooms and maybe the nicest college classroom I've ever worked in."
According to Madison Simmons, a member of Hatchery's MCAS '25 team, the production was dominated by white men. Simmons said Hatchery's goal is to break the stereotype that only some people are drawn to creative engineering.
Hatchery's mission is to improve access to learning and creative thinking.
Makers and Simmons can take home all hatchery-made products, encouraging students to imagine and explore new skills.
“[The students] will use vinyl cutters to make posters and decorations for the residence halls,” Simmons said. "Many people also give gifts." "One of the projects we work on with many people is to make a charcuterie board and then laser engrave the bow with the names of the family members."
Sarah Tracy, MCAS '24, started her personal project in Hatchery last week to make curtains for her first-floor apartment rather than buy a set online. Tracy says she is excited to bring her creative ideas to life in the space.
"It's so beautiful," said Tracy. "No one will judge you for what you want to create. Everyone will make sure you are safe and know how to do what you want."
Hatchery plans to partner with other student organizations, and Dunaway says he hopes students can do internships at companies that value the experiences they get at Hatchery.
"There are companies looking for experienced graduates, and many colleges don't offer courses specifically in 3D printing," Dunaway said. "It is very clear that people should hire students like us."
